Methods, systems, and media for presenting suggestions of media content

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and media for presenting suggestions of media content are provided. In some implementations, the method comprises: determining an item of media content; determining a probability of the item of media content being watched at one or more times based on at least one of: a characteristic of a person; a characteristic of a group; and a characteristic of the item of media content; creating a user interface which suggests that the item of media content be watched at one or more times based on the determined probability; and presenting the user interface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/095,095, filed Dec. 3, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/903,865, filed Nov. 13, 2013 and61/903,314, filed Nov. 12, 2013, which are hereby incorporated byreference herein in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed subject matter relates to methods, systems, and media forpresenting suggestions of media content.

BACKGROUND

People enjoy viewing media content such as videos, movies, andtelevision programs. Furthermore, people frequently have programs orgenres that they frequently enjoy viewing, and they frequently havetimes of the day that they prefer to view media content. Additionally,there may be special, one-time programs, such as an awards show, asports game, or a news broadcast, that a person is interested inwatching.

It can be difficult to remember when a favorite program airs, or whatdate and/or time a special, one-time program is airing. Furthermore, ifa person enjoys a particular television program or piece of mediacontent, it can be difficult to find other, similar media content.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide new systems, methods, and mediafor presenting suggestions of media content.

SUMMARY

Methods, systems, and media for presenting suggestions of media contentare provided. In accordance with some implementations of the disclosedsubject matter, methods for presenting suggestions of media content areprovided, the methods comprising: determining an item of media content;determining, using a hardware processor, a probability of the item ofmedia content being watched at one or more times based on at least oneof: a characteristic of a person; a characteristic of a group; and acharacteristic of the item of media content; creating a user interfacewhich suggests that the item of media content be watched at one or moretimes based on the determined probability; and presenting the userinterface.

In accordance with some implementations of the disclosed subject matter,systems for presenting suggestions of media content are provided, thesystems comprising: a hardware processor that is configured to:determine an item of media content; determine a probability of the itemof media content being watched at one or more times based on at leastone of: a characteristic of a person; a characteristic of a group; and acharacteristic of the item of media content; create a user interfacewhich suggests that the item of media content be watched at one or moretimes based on the determined probability; and present the userinterface.

In accordance with some implementations of the disclosed subject matter,non-transitory computer-readable media containing computer executableinstructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor toperform a method for presenting suggestions of media content areprovided, the method comprising: determining an item of media content;determining, using a hardware processor, a probability of the item ofmedia content being watched at one or more times based on at least oneof: a characteristic of a person; a characteristic of a group; and acharacteristic of the item of media content; creating a user interfacewhich suggests that the item of media content be watched at one or moretimes based on the determined probability; and presenting the userinterface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various objects, features, and advantages of the disclosed subjectmatter can be more fully appreciated with reference to the followingdetailed description of the disclosed subject matter when considered inconnection with the following drawings, in which like reference numeralsidentify like elements.

FIG. 1 is an example of a user interface for presenting one or moresuggestions of media content to a user in accordance with someimplementations.

FIG. 2 is an example of a user interface for presenting a suggestion ofmedia content to a user based on the user's activities in accordancewith some implementations.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of hardware that can be used inaccordance with some implementations.

FIG. 4 shows an example of hardware that can be used in a server and/ora user device in accordance with some implementations.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of an example of a process for requesting,receiving, and presenting suggestions of media content to a user, aswell as a flowchart of an example of a process for creating andtransmitting suggestions of media content.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of an example of a process for generating amodel of probabilities that a user will watch media content at one ormore times based on a plurality of factors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with various implementations, as described in more detailbelow, mechanisms, which can include systems, methods, andcomputer-readable media, for presenting suggestions of media content areprovided.

In some implementations, the presented suggestions can be based on adetermination of how likely the user is to be interested in the mediacontent. In some implementations, the presented suggestions can includea suggested time to watch the media content. In some suchimplementations, the suggested time(s) can be based on a determinationof how likely a user is to watch the media content at the suggestedtime(s).

In accordance with some implementations, the mechanisms can includedetermining whether to present a suggestion of media content and/ordetermining at what time to suggest viewing the media content based onone or more factors. In instances where a user consents to the use ofdata such as the users's preferences for various types of media contentand/or the user's location, such data can be used to present suggestionsof media content. In some implementations, the factors can additionallyor alternatively include aggregate group preferences. Additionally oralternatively, in some implementations, the factors can includehistorical data, data based on past choices, and/or real-time data. Insome such implementations, which information is used to presentsuggestions of media content can be selected by a user.

In some implementations, a suggestion of media content and/or asuggestion of a time to watch the media content can be presented on a“card,” where a card is a user interface which can present informationto a user. In some implementations, a user can interact with the card,for example, by indicating that the user saw and liked the suggestion onthe card. A card can be presented on a user interface on any suitableuser device (e.g., a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a desktopcomputer, or any other suitable user device).

In some implementations, the mechanisms can determine which cards, ifany, to create and present at a current moment in time. Additionally oralternatively, in some implementations, the mechanisms can determinewhich cards, if any, to create, store, and present at future times.

Turning to FIG. 1, an example 100 of a user interface for presentingsuggestions of media content as cards is shown in accordance with someimplementations. As shown, in some implementations, user interface 100can include a provider logo 102, a data entry box 104, and a set ofcards 106.

Logo 102 can be any suitable logo of any suitable provider of userinterface 100 and can include any suitable text, graphics, images,video, or any other suitable content, in accordance with someimplementations. In some implementations, logo 102 can be omitted.

Data entry box 104 can be used by user interface 100 to receive datafrom a user of user interface 100. Any suitable data can be entered indata entry box 104. For example, data entry box 104 can be used toreceive a search query from a user. Data entry box 104 can be anysuitable mechanism for receiving data. For example, as shown in FIG. 1,data entry box 104 can be a text entry box. In some implementations,data entry box 104 can include any suitable radio buttons, checkboxes,drop-down menus, pushbuttons, or any other user interface controls. Insome implementations, data entry box 104 can be omitted.

Set of cards 106 can include any suitable cards such as cards 108, 110,112, and 114 as shown in FIG. 1. Individual cards (e.g., cards 108, 110,112, and 114) within set of cards 106 can present any suitableinformation to a user. For example, an individual card can present thecurrent or forecasted weather in a location which is determined to be ofinterest to the user, as shown in card 112. As another example, anindividual card can present current traffic information at a locationwhich is determined to be of interest to a user, as shown in card 110.As yet another example, an individual card can present a suggestion ofmedia content which is determined to be of interest to a user, as shownin card 108. Presentation of cards can include presentation of anysuitable images, icons, graphics, videos, animations, sounds, hapticfeedback, or any other suitable accompanying content. For example, insome implementations, presentation of a card can include presenting anaccompanying sound (e.g., a tone, a verbal description of the cardcontent, or any other sounds) or accompanying haptic feedback (e.g.,vibration of user device 312). Although there are four cards in set ofcards 106 as shown in FIG. 1, any suitable number of cards (includingnone) can be presented to a user.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, in some implementations, cards can beinteracted with by a user. For example, a card can be removed from userinterface 100 if a user is not interested or is no longer interested inthe information presented on the card. As another example, a card can be“selected” to perform an action or present more information. As a moreparticular example, if a card which displays current weather informationis presented, the card can be selected, and in response, an action canbe performed, for example, opening a Web site with more weatherinformation. Cards can be interacted with in any suitable way. Forexample, in some implementations, cards can be dismissed by clicking ortapping on the card or on a “dismiss” icon (e.g., an “X” at the cornerof the card or any other suitable icon). As another particular example,in some implementations, cards can be dismissed by “swiping” or“dragging” the card off the border of user interface 100. Similarly,cards can be selected by clicking, tapping, or any other suitablemechanism.

Although the cards shown in FIG. 1 pertain to a variety of topics suchas weather, traffic, restaurant recommendations, and suggested mediacontent, the cards presented at any given point in time can be relatedto any one topic or any suitable number or level of variety of topics.

In instances where a user consents to the use of data regarding theuser's activity, such data can be used to create cards suggesting mediacontent, in accordance with some implementations. In someimplementations, the user activity used for presenting suggestions ofmedia content can be limited to products provided by the companypresenting the card(s) (e.g., limited to a particular search queryinterface, limited to a particular e-mail client, and/or any otherparticular products). Additionally or alternatively, in someimplementations, a user can be required to sign into an account beforeuser activity can be used to present media content suggestions. In someimplementations, a user can specify that certain types of activityshould or should not be considered when presenting a card with mediacontent suggestions. For example, in some implementations, a user canspecify that cards should only be presented based on, for example,search queries, streamed media content, and/or any other type ofactivity. As another example, in some implementations, a user canspecify that certain types of activity, for example, reading orresponding to e-mail, Web site browsing history, and/or any other typeof activity, should not be considered when presenting a card with mediacontent suggestions.

Turning to FIG. 2, an example 200 of a user interface for presenting acard based on a user's activity is illustrated in accordance with someimplementations. As shown, in some implementations, user interface 200can include an activity indicator 202, activity content 204, and apresented card 206.

Activity indicator 202 can be used to indicate an activity a user isengaged in. The activity can include any suitable action, such asinputting a search query, reading and/or responding to email, watchingmedia content, or any other suitable activity. Activity indicator 202can be any suitable mechanism for indicating a current activity and caninclude any suitable text, icons, graphics, images, or any othersuitable content. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, activity indicator202 can include a text block with the contents of a search query. Asanother example, activity indicator 202 can include an iconcorresponding to a currently open application (e.g., a media player, ane-mail client, or any other application). Activity indicator 202 can beomitted at certain times or at all times in some implementations.

Activity content 204 can be any suitable content associated with anactivity. Activity content 204 can include any suitable text, images,icons, graphics, videos, animations, applications, sounds, or any othersuitable content. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, activity content 204can include results of a search query. As another example, activitycontent 204 can include media (e.g., a video, a movie, music, or anyother media content) which is being presented to user interface 200,e-mails, or any other suitable activity content.

Presented card 206 can be used to present a suggestion of media contentand/or a suggestion of a time to watch the media content to a user. Asshown in FIG. 2, in some implementations, the suggestion presented oncard 206 can be linked to activity content 204. In the particularexample shown in FIG. 2, activity indicator 202 and activity content 204indicate that a search is being conducted, and in particular, the searchis related to football. Therefore, in the particular example shown inFIG. 2, card 206 may suggest appropriate media content, is this example,a football game, to the user. As another particular example, if activityindicator 202 and activity content 204 indicate that a user is watchinga particular movie, card 206 may suggest another movie featuring thesame actor(s).

Turning to FIG. 3, an example 300 of hardware that can be used inaccordance with some implementations is shown. As illustrated, hardware300 can include a card server 302, a location server 304, a data server306, a media server 308, a communication network 310, and one or moreuser devices 312, such as a mobile phone 314, a tablet computer 316,and/or a television 318.

Card server 302 can be any suitable server for storing cards orparameters associated with cards and for presenting cards to a userdevice 312 in some implementations. For example, card server 302 canstore parameters associated with the appearance of cards (e.g., colors,images, icons, or any other suitable parameters). Additionally oralternatively, card server 302 can deliver or present cards to a userdevice 312 via communication network 310. In some implementations, cardserver 302 can be omitted. In some implementations, cards and/orparameters associated with cards can be stored on and delivered frommemory on user device 312.

In instances where a user consents to the use of data regarding theuser's past locations, the user's present location, and/or the user'spredicted future locations, location server 304 can be any suitableserver for determining, storing, and delivering information related tothe location of a user device 312 in some implementations. For example,location server 304 can determine and store the location of a userdevice 312 via communication with a Global Positioning System (GPS)device on the user device. As another example, location server 304 canprovide the location of a user device 312 via communication network 310when queried. Location(s) can be stored only in the context of anarbitrary device identification number in accordance with someimplementations. In some implementations, location server 304 can beomitted.

Data server 306 can be any suitable server for storing and deliveringdata which is used in the creation of cards suggesting media content toa user. In instances where a user consents to the use of data such asthe user's preferences or a user's past actions, such data can be storedon data server 306. Other data can include data relating to aggregategroup data, or any other suitable data. For example, the data caninclude information regarding a user's preferred media content(determined either from preferences explicitly stated by the user orinferred based on a user's past choices), aggregate group preferencesfor media content (e.g., ratings, reviews, or any other indicator ofgroup preferences), information relating to when a user prefers to watchmedia content, information relating to media content which is currentlybeing discussed on one or more social networks, or any other suitableinformation. Data stored on data server 306 can be accessed whendetermining whether to show card(s) suggesting media content to a userand when determining what time to suggest watching the media content byany suitable process, for example, processes 500 and 600, as shown inand described in connection with FIGS. 5 and 6. In some implementations,a user can choose to modify or delete data regarding the user at anysuitable time. Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations,the data stored on data server 306 can be treated in one or more ways,such that the user's identity is not stored and/or that data is onlystored in the context of an arbitrary device identification number.

Media server 308 can be any suitable server for storing media contentand delivering the content to a user device 108 in some implementations.For example, media server 308 can be a server that streams media contentto user device 312 via communication network 310. Media content providedby media server 308 can be any content suitable to be suggested to auser, such as video content, audio content, television programs, movies,cartoons, music, sound effects, audiobooks, streaming live content(e.g., a streaming radio show, a live concert, or any other streaminglive content), or any other suitable media content. In someimplementations, media server 308 can be omitted. In someimplementations, media content can additionally or alternatively bedelivered from memory on user device 312.

Communication network 310 can be any suitable combination of one or morewired and/or wireless networks in some implementations. For example,communication network 310 can include any one or more of the Internet, amobile data network, a satellite network, a local area network, a widearea network, a telephone network, a cable television network, a WiFinetwork, a WiMax network, and/or any other suitable communicationnetwork.

User devices 312 can include any one or more user devices suitable forreceiving suggestions of media content. For example, in someimplementations, user devices 312 can include mobile devices, such as amobile phone 314, a tablet computer 316, a laptop computer, a vehicle(e.g., car, boat, airplane, or any other suitable vehicle) entertainmentsystem, a portable media player, or any other suitable mobile device. Asanother example, in some implementations, user devices 312 can includenon-mobile devices such as a desktop computer, a set-top box, atelevision 318, a streaming media player, a game console, or any othersuitable non-mobile device.

Although card server 302, location server 304, data server 306, andmedia server 308 are illustrated as separate devices, any one or more ofthese devices can be combined into one device in some implementations.Also, although only one each of card server 302, location server 304,data server 306, and media server 308 are shown in FIG. 3 to avoidover-complicating the figure, any suitable one or more of each devicecan be used in some implementations.

Although three user devices 314, 316, and 318 are shown in FIG. 3 toavoid over-complicating the figure, any suitable number of each of thesedevices, and any suitable types of these devices, can be used in someimplementations.

Card server 302, location server 304, data server 306, media server 308,and user devices 312 can be implemented using any suitable hardware insome implementations. For example, in some implementations, devices 302,304, 306, 308, and 312 can be implemented using any suitable generalpurpose computer or special purpose computer. For example, mobile phone314 may be implemented using a special purpose computer. Any suchgeneral purpose computer or special purpose computer can include anysuitable hardware. For example, as illustrated in example hardware 400of FIG. 4, such hardware can include hardware processor 402, memoryand/or storage 404, an input device controller 406, an input device 408,display/audio drivers 410, display and audio output circuitry 412,communication interface(s) 414, an antenna 416, and a bus 418.

Hardware processor 402 can include any suitable hardware processor, suchas a microprocessor, a micro-controller, digital signal processor(s),dedicated logic, and/or any other suitable circuitry for controlling thefunctioning of a general purpose computer or a special purpose computerin some implementations.

Memory and/or storage 404 can be any suitable memory and/or storage forstoring programs, data, media content, and/or any other suitableinformation in some implementations. For example, memory and/or storage404 can include random access memory, read-only memory, flash memory,hard disk storage, optical media, and/or any other suitable memory.

Input device controller 406 can be any suitable circuitry forcontrolling and receiving input from one or more input devices 408 insome implementations. For example, input device controller 406 can becircuitry for receiving input from a touch screen, from one or morebuttons, from a voice recognition circuit, from a microphone, from acamera, from an optical sensor, from an accelerometer, from atemperature sensor, from a near field sensor, and/or any other type ofinput device.

Display/audio drivers 410 can be any suitable circuitry for controllingand driving output to one or more display/audio output circuitries 412in some implementations. For example, display/audio drivers 410 can becircuitry for driving an LCD display, a speaker, an LED, or any othertype of output device.

Communication interface(s) 414 can be any suitable circuitry forinterfacing with one or more communication networks, such as network 310as shown in FIG. 3. For example, interface(s) 414 can include networkinterface card circuitry, wireless communication circuitry, and/or anyother suitable type of communication network circuitry.

Antenna 416 can be any suitable one or more antennas for wirelesslycommunicating with a communication network in some implementations. Insome implementations, antenna 416 can be omitted when not needed.

Bus 418 can be any suitable mechanism for communicating between two ormore components 402, 404, 406, 410, and 414 in some implementations.

Any other suitable components can be included in hardware 400 inaccordance with some implementations.

Turning to FIG. 5, an example 501 of a process for requesting,receiving, and presenting one or more cards with suggestions of mediacontent and an example 502 of a process for determining if and/or whenone or more cards suggesting media content should be presented areillustrated in accordance with some implementations. Processes 501 and502 can be executed by a hardware processor in any suitable device. Forexample, in some implementations, process 501 can be executed by a userdevice 312. As another example, in some implementations, process 502 canbe executed by card server 302.

Components of hardware 400 can be used to execute the blocks ofprocesses 501 and 502. For example, a user device 312 can requestcard(s) with suggestions of media content to present to a user bysending a signal via communication network 310 to an external device(e.g., card server 302). Similarly, once cards with suggestions of mediacontent are created, card server 302 can transmit the created cards to auser device 312 via communication network 310. As another example, cardsreceived by process 501 can be stored in memory 404 of a user device. Asyet another example, cards can be presented at a determined time byhardware processor 402 on user device 312 directing display/audiodrivers 410 to present the card and any accompanying content todisplay/audio output 412.

Process 501 can begin by requesting cards with suggestions of mediacontent to present to a user at 503. In instances where a user consentsto the use of the user's device to send requests for cards withsuggestions of media content, the request can be sent from a user deviceto an external device, such as card server 302. Requests for cards withsuggestions of media content can be made at any suitable frequency, andthe determination of whether to send a request can be made based on anysuitable information. For example, in some implementations, a requestfor cards can be sent at a fixed frequency (e.g., once per second, onceper minute, once per hour, or any other suitable frequency). In someimplementations, a request for cards can be sent based on a user'sactivity. As a more particular example, a request for cards can be sentwhen it is determined that a user has submitted a search querypertaining to media content. As another particular example, a requestfor cards can be sent when it is determined that a user has just arrivedat the user's home.

Turning to process 502, process 502 can begin by determining mediacontent to suggest to a user at 504. The media content can be determinedbased on any suitable information. For example, the information caninclude information about a user device, the presence of detected nearbydevice(s), a user's preferences, a user's past choices, aggregateratings of media content, current events, and/or any other suitableinformation. As a more particular example, the information can indicatethat a user has previously watched a particular television program, andthe information can therefore indicate that the particular televisionprogram is a candidate for suggestion to the user. As another particularexample, the information can indicate that a user has previously watchedsituational comedies frequently, and the information can thereforeindicate another television program within the genre of situationalcomedies is a candidate for suggestion to the user. As yet anotherparticular example, the information can indicate that a particulartelevision program, movie, event broadcast, or any other media contentis being discussed on one or more social media networks, and theinformation can therefore indicate that the particular content beingdiscussed is a candidate for suggestion to the user.

Process 502 can determine the probabilities of a user watching the mediacontent at one or more points in time at 505. The one or more points intime can include any suitable times and any suitable number of times.For example, the points in time can include the current time and anytimes in the future over any suitable time period. As a more particularexample, the points in time can include points in time such as thecurrent time, an hour from the current time, six hours from the currenttime, the next day, the next weekend, or any other suitable points intime. Therefore, the determined probabilities can include a probabilityof a user watching the media content at the one or more points in time,and, in some implementations, each probability can be different. As aspecific example, the determined probabilities can indicate that theprobability of the user watching the media content now is 0.8, theprobability of the user watching the media content 6 hours from now is0.2, the probability of the user watching the media content tomorrowmorning is 0.4, and/or any other suitable probability corresponding tothe media content and a point in time.

Any suitable method for determining the probabilities can be used. Forexample, information from multiple factors can be combined to determinethe probabilities. As a more particular example, in someimplementations, information regarding a user device, the presence ofdetected nearby device(s), a user's preferences regarding the mediacontent, aggregate group preferences regarding the media content, auser's preferences regarding content viewing at one or more points intime, aggregate group preferences regarding content viewing at one ormore points in time, and a user's location can be used to generate amodel of the probabilities of the user watching the media content, asshown in and described in connection with FIG. 6.

Process 502 can create card(s) suggesting media content based on thedetermined probabilities at 506. The card(s) can contain any suggestionsfor suitable times for watching the media content. For example, a cardcan be created suggesting that a user watch the media content at thepoint in time with the highest determined probability. As a moreparticular example, if the determined probabilities suggest that a useris most likely (with the highest determined probability) to watch aparticular program at 9 p.m., a card can be created which suggests thatthe user watch the program at 9 p.m. Any suitable number of cards(including none) can be created by process 502 at 506. For example, insome implementations, if the determined probabilities are all at and/orbelow a pre-determined threshold (e.g., 0.2, 0.5, or any other suitablethreshold.) indicating that a user is relatively unlikely to watch themedia content at any of the points in time, zero cards can be created.As another example, in some implementations, process 502 can createcards corresponding to all points in time where the determinedprobabilities of a user watching the media content exceed apre-determined threshold (e.g., a probability of greater than 0.5 or anyother pre-determined threshold). As yet another example, in someimplementations, process 502 can create cards corresponding to the top Npoints in time, where N can be any suitable number less than or equal tothe number of points in time.

Process 502 can determine time(s) to present the created card(s) at 507.Any suitable time(s) can be determined including the current time and/orany suitable time in the future. For example, it can be determined thata card which was created at block 506 should be presented the next day.Any suitable mechanism for determining the time for card presentationcan be used. For example, in some implementations, the future times canbe determined based on the time suggested on the created cards. As amore particular example, if a card suggesting that a user watch aparticular program on Sunday was created at block 506, process 502 candetermine that the card should be presented on Saturday. As anotherparticular example, if a card suggesting that a user watch a particularprogram which begins in one hour was created, process 502 can determinethat the card should be presented at the current time.

Process 502 can transmit the created cards and the determined times at508. The cards and/or the times can be transmitted from any suitabledevice (e.g., card server 302) to any suitable device (e.g., a userdevice 312).

After transmitting the created cards and the determined times, process502 can loop back to 504 and wait for another request to determine mediacontent to suggest.

Turning back to process 501, process 501 can receive one or more cardswith suggestions of media content and one or more times to present thecards at 509. The cards and times can be received by any suitabledevice, for example, a user device 312.

Process 501 can store the received cards and the received times topresent the cards at 510. The cards and the times can be stored in anysuitable location (e.g., in memory 404 of a user device 312).

Process 501 can wait for the times to present the cards at 511. As aparticular example, if the time to present a received card is six hoursfrom the current time, process 501 can wait for six hours. Note that insome implementations, each card received at 509 can have a differentcorresponding time to present the card, and process 501 can thereforewait a different amount of time for each card.

Process 501 can determine if it is time to present a card at 512.Determination of if it is time to present a card can be implemented withany suitable mechanism. For example, in some implementations, process501 can iterate through each card and each card's time for presentationin a set of stored cards and determine whether or not the current timematches the time for presentation.

If, at 512, it is determined that the time to present a card has notarrived, process 501 can loop back to 511 and continue waiting for thetime to present a card.

If, at 512, it is determined that it is time to present a card, process501 can cause the card to be presented on a user interface at 513. Thecard can be presented with any suitable mechanism and with any suitableaccompanying content, as described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2.

After process 501 causes the card to be presented at 513, process 501can loop back to 503 to request another card with suggestions of mediacontent.

Turning to FIG. 6, an example 600 of a process for generating a model ofthe probabilities of a user watching or listening to some media contentat one or more points in time based on received information such as auser's preferences regarding content, aggregate group preferencesregarding content, a user's preferences regarding time for media contentviewing, aggregate group preferences regarding time for media contentviewing and a user's location is illustrated in accordance with someimplementations. In some implementations, the media content can be aparticular instance of media content, for example, a particulartelevision program, news broadcast, concert, movie, or any othersuitable media content. In some implementations, the media content canbe a more general type of media content, for example, a genre of mediacontent (e.g., situation comedies, dramas, documentaries, concerts ingeneral, news in general, or any other genre).

Process 600 can be implemented on any suitable one or more devices. Forexample, in some implementations, process 600 can be partially or fullyimplemented on a data server 306, which can contain information receivedin blocks of process 600. Additionally or alternatively, process 600 canbe partially or fully implemented on card server 302. In some suchimplementations, information received in blocks of process 600 can besent from data server 306 to card server 302 via communication network310.

Process 600 can receive information about a user device 312 and/or aboutone or more detected nearby devices at 601. The received information caninclude any suitable information and can include any suitable level ofdetail. For example, received information regarding the user device canindicate whether a particular user device (e.g., the user devicereceiving the suggestions of media content) is suitable for presentingthe media content. As a more particular example, the receivedinformation can indicate that the user device to receive card(s) withsuggestions of media content to present is a mobile phone with a weakconnection to a given network. As another particular example, thereceived information can indicate that the user device to receivecard(s) with suggestions of media content is a desktop computer with anEthernet connection.

As another example, in instances where a user has consented to thedetection of nearby devices near the user's device, the receivedinformation can indicate the presence of one or more nearby deviceswhich may be suitable for presenting media content. As a more particularexample, the received information can indicate that a television hasbeen detected near the user device 312 which is receiving the cards withsuggestions of media content. In some such implementations, the presenceof nearby devices can be detected with any suitable mechanism, forexample, through a connection to a common network (e.g., a BLUETOOTHnetwork, a WiFi network, a local area network, and/or any other suitablenetwork), through GPS, and/or through any other suitable mechanism.

In instances where a user has consented to the use of data regarding theuser's preferences, process 600 can receive such information at 602. Thereceived information can include any suitable information and caninclude information based on either past events/choices or based oncurrent activities. For example, received information regarding contentcan include a user's explicit preferences (e.g., an indication from auser of the name of their favorite television program, an indicationfrom a user of their favorite genre of television program, an indicationfrom a user of their favorite actor, or any other indication of a user'spreferences) and/or preferences that are inferred (e.g., data indicatingthat a user frequently watches a particular television program, dataindicating that a user frequently watches movies or programs starring aparticular actor, data indicating that a user frequently watchesprograms or movies of a certain genre, or any other suitable dataindicating a user's preferences). In implementations which deriveimplicit preferences from a user's activity, user consent (e.g., bysigning into an account, by confirming that a statement regardingprivacy has been read, and/or any other suitable form of consent) can berequired to allow process 600 to receive information about the user'sactivity. In some implementations, the received information can includeinformation about what a user is currently searching for or discussing.For example, the received information can include information about Websites a user is currently browsing and/or a topic a user is discussingin an e-mail or online chat. In the specific example shown in FIG. 2,the received information can indicate that a user is currently searchingfor information about a particular topic. As another particular example,the received information can indicate that a user is currently searchingfor information about a particular event (e.g., a political debate, aconcert, an awards show, or any other suitable event). As yet anotherparticular example, the received information can indicate that a user iscurrently discussing an episode of a television program in an e-mail orin an online chat.

In some implementations, a user can control what information indicatingthe user's preferences is received by process 600 to protect privacy.For example, in some implementations, a user can specify that onlyexplicitly stated preferences (e.g., a user explicitly stating theirfavorite television program, a user explicitly stating their favoritegenre of media content, and/or any other explicit statements ofpreference) should be received by process 600. As another example, insome implementations, a user can specify that certain types of activity(e.g., reading or responding to e-mail, Web browsing, search queries,and/or any other type of activity) should or should not be used byprocess 600.

Process 600 can receive information indicating aggregate grouppreferences regarding media content at 604. The received information caninclude any suitable information and can be based on any suitablesource(s). For example, the received information can indicate thepopularity of a particular item of media content, and their popularitycan be based on past ratings or rankings (e.g., ratings, reviews, or anyother indicator of popularity). As a particular example, the receivedinformation can indicate that the media content was the most-watchedtelevision program in the country during the past week. As anotherexample, the received information can indicate current trends of mediacontent popularity, e.g., based on topics discussed on one or moresocial media networks. As a particular example, the received informationcan indicate the media content relates to a particular event (e.g., asporting event, a political event, a news event, or any other suitableevent), program (e.g., a series finale, an awards show, or any othersuitable program), movie, or any other suitable media content, which iscurrently being discussed by people on a social media network.

In instances where a user has consented to the use of data regarding theuser's preferences for viewing content at different times, process 600can receive such information at 606. The received information caninclude any suitable information and can be from any suitable source.For example, the received information can indicate that a user tends towatch television programs at a particular time (e.g., after 9 p.m., inthe morning, Sunday afternoons, or any other time). The receivedinformation can additionally or alternatively indicate that a user tendsnot to watch media content at particular times, for example, that a usernever watches television on Friday nights. The received information canbe of any suitable level of detail, and in some implementations, canindicate interactions between the media content or type of media contentand the time of day or time of week. As a more particular example, thereceived information can indicate that a user prefers to watch newsbroadcasts on weekday mornings and/or prefers to watch sports broadcastson weekend afternoons. As another particular example, the receivedinformation can indicate that a user watches a particular televisionprogram at a particular day and time every week. In some suchimplementations which infer user preferences regarding content viewingat different times based on a user's activity, user consent can berequired to allow process 600 to receive the information. In someimplementations, information indicating a user's past choices can bestored for only a pre-determined time period (e.g., an hour, a day, aweek, or any other suitable time period) of the user's choice.

Process 600 can receive information indicating aggregate grouppreferences regarding content viewing at different times at 608. Thereceived information can include any suitable information and can befrom any suitable source. For example, the received information canindicate times of the day or times of the week that people in generaltend to watch media content. The received information can be of anysuitable level of detail. For example, in instances where a user hasprovided demographic information (e.g., age, gender, and/or any otherdemographic information), such information can be used to restrict theaggregate group to a particular demographic corresponding to the user.For example, the received information can indicate that people of aparticular demographic corresponding to the user tend to watch aparticular genre of media content at a particular time of day. As a moreparticular example, the received information can indicate that aparticular television program which airs at a particular time isespecially popular among people of a certain age range.

In instances where a user has consented to the use of data regarding theuser's current location or the user's predicted future location(s),process 600 can receive such information at 610. In someimplementations, user consent can be required for process 600 to receivelocation information. The received information can include any suitableinformation regarding a user's location, and, in some implementations,can additionally or alternatively indicate interactions with types ofmedia content or times of media content viewing. As a particularexample, the received information can indicate that a user is at theuser's workplace and tends not to watch media content at that location.As another specific example, the received information can indicate thata user is currently at home, and is therefore likely to want to watchmedia content. As yet another specific example, the received informationcan indicate that a user is currently at the user's workplace, but,based on past information regarding location, the user is likely to gohome soon.

The information received at blocks 601, 602, 604, 606, 608, and 610 canbe stored on and received from any suitable source(s). For example, insome implementations, the received information can be stored on dataserver 306. Additionally or alternatively, in some implementations, thereceived information can be stored in memory on user device 312. In someimplementations, a user can indicate that certain information (e.g.,user preferences inferred based on past choices, user preferences basedon current activity, user location, or any other information) should notbe stored, and should therefore not be received in blocks 601, 602, 604,606, 608, and/or 610. In some implementations, a user can indicate thatcertain information regarding choices, activities, and/or locations,should only be stored for a pre-determined amount of time (e.g., for anhour, a day, a month, or any other amount of time).

Process 600 can generate a model of the probabilities of a user watchingthe media content at one or more points in time based on the informationreceived at blocks 601, 602, 604, 606, 608, and 610. Any one or moresuitable techniques can be used which incorporate information from aplurality of factors to generate the model of the probabilities. As oneparticular example, each piece of information received at blocks 601,602, 604, 606, 608, and 610 can be scored and weighted on any suitablescale, and the resulting weighted scores can be combined in any suitableway to determine a probability for each of the one or more points intime. In some implementations, any combination of any suitable machinelearning or statistical techniques, including linear combinations,neural networks, classification algorithms, recommender systems,Bayesian statistics, and/or any other suitable techniques can be used togenerate a model of the probabilities of the user watching the mediacontent at one or more points in time.

In some implementations, the model of the probabilities generated atblock 612 can include a model of the probabilities of a user watchingthe media content on a detected device other than the user devicereceiving the card(s) with the suggestions of media content. Forexample, if the presence of a nearby device such as a television wasdetected (e.g., as described in connection with block 601), the model ofthe probabilities can include the probabilities of a user watching themedia content on the television at one or more times.

It should be understood that at least some of the above described blocksof the processes of FIGS. 5 and 6 can be executed or performed in anyorder or sequence not limited to the order and sequence shown anddescribed in the figures. Also, some of the above blocks of theprocesses of FIGS. 5 and 6 can be executed or performed substantiallysimultaneously where appropriate or in parallel to reduce latency andprocessing times.

In some implementations, any suitable computer readable media can beused for storing instructions for performing the functions and/orprocesses described herein. For example, in some implementations,computer readable media can be transitory or non-transitory. Forexample, non-transitory computer readable media can include media suchas magnetic media (such as hard disks, floppy disks, or any othersuitable magnetic media), optical media (such as compact discs, digitalvideo discs, Blu-ray discs, or any other suitable optical media),semiconductor media (such as flash memory, electrically programmableread-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EEPROM), or any other suitable semiconductor media), anysuitable media that is not fleeting or devoid of any semblance ofpermanence during transmission, and/or any suitable tangible media. Asanother example, transitory computer readable media can include signalson networks, in wires, conductors, optical fibers, circuits, anysuitable media that is fleeting and devoid of any semblance ofpermanence during transmission, and/or any suitable intangible media.

In situations in which the systems discussed here collect personalinformation about users, or may make use of personal information, theusers may be provided with an opportunity to control whether programs orfeatures collect user information (e.g., information about a user'ssocial network, social actions or activities, profession, a user'spreferences, or a user's current location), and/or to control whetherand/or how to receive content from the content server that may be morerelevant to the user. In addition, certain data may be treated in one ormore ways before it is stored or used, so that personally identifiableinformation is removed. For example, a user's identity may be treated sothat no personally identifiable information can be determined for theuser, or a user's geographic location may be generalized where locationinformation is obtained (such as to a city, ZIP code, or state level),so that a particular location of a user cannot be determined. Thus, theuser may have control over how information is collected about the userand used by a content server.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated in theforegoing illustrative implementations, it is understood that thepresent disclosure has been made only by way of example, and thatnumerous changes in the details of the implementation of the inventioncan be made without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention, which is limited only by the claims that follow. Features ofthe disclosed implementations can be combined and rearranged in variousways.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for presenting suggestions of mediacontent, comprising: identifying a media content item having a pluralityof defined presentation start times; determining, using a communicationnetwork, a current location of a user device and that the currentlocation is not a location at which the user of the user device islikely to want to watch the media content item; determining, using ahardware processor, probabilities of the media content item beingwatched at each of the plurality of defined presentation start timesbased on the current location and a preferred view time of the user ofthe user device; selecting one of the plurality of defined presentationstart times based on the determined probabilities; determining a time atwhich a user interface that suggests that the media content item bewatched at the one of the plurality of defined presentation start timesis to be scheduled for presentation; and causing the user interface tobe presented at the determined time on the user device.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the probabilities of the media content item beingwatched at each of the plurality of defined presentation start times isfurther based on a popularity of the media content item.
 3. The methodof claim 1, wherein the probabilities of the media content item beingwatched at each of the plurality of defined presentation start times isfurther based on past viewing preferences of the user of the userdevice.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising determining a genreof the media content item, wherein the viewing preferences of the userof the user device include times of day the user of the user device haspreviously viewed media content of the determined genre.
 5. The methodof claim 1, wherein the media content item is identified based on acurrent activity being performed on the user device.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein determining the time at which the user interface is tobe scheduled for presentation is based on the selected one of theplurality of defined presentation start times.
 7. A system forpresenting suggestions of media content, the system comprising; Ahardware processor that is programmed to: identify a media content itemhaving a plurality of defined presentation start times; determine, usinga communication network, a current location of a user device and thatthe current location is not a location at which the user of the userdevice is likely to want to watch the media content item; determineprobabilities of the media content item being watched at each of theplurality of defined presentation start times based on the currentlocation and a preferred view time of the user of the user device;select one of the plurality of defined presentation start times based onthe determined probabilities; determine a time at which a user interfacethat suggests that the media content item be watched at the one of theplurality of defined presentation start times is to be scheduled forpresentation; and cause the user interface to be presented at thedetermined time on the user device.
 8. The system of claim 7, whereinthe probabilities of the media content item being watched at each of theplurality of defined presentation start times is further based on apopularity of the media content item.
 9. The system of claim 7, whereinthe probabilities of the media content item being watched at each of theplurality of defined presentation start times is further based on pastviewing preferences of the user of the user device.
 10. The system ofclaim 9, wherein the hardware processor is further programmed todetermine a genre of the media content item, wherein the viewingpreferences of the user of the user device include times of day the userof the user device has previously viewed media content of the determinedgenre.
 11. The system of claim 7, wherein the media content item isidentified based on a current activity being performed on the userdevice.
 12. The system of claim 7, wherein determining the time at whichthe user interface is to be scheduled for presentation is based on theselected one of the plurality of defined presentation start times.
 13. Anon-transitory computer-readable medium containing computer executableinstructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor toperform a method for presenting suggestions of media content, the methodcomprising: identifying a media content item having a plurality ofdefined presentation start times; determining, using a communicationnetwork, a current location of a user device and that the currentlocation is not a location at which the user of the user device islikely to want to watch the media content item; determiningprobabilities of the media content item being watched at each of theplurality of defined presentation start times based on the currentlocation and a preferred view time of the user of the user device;selecting one of the plurality of defined presentation start times basedon the determined probabilities; determining a time at which a userinterface that suggests that the media content item be watched at theone of the plurality of defined presentation start times is to bescheduled for presentation; and causing the user interface to bepresented at the determined time on the user device.
 14. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein theprobabilities of the media content item being watched at each of theplurality of defined presentation start times is further based on apopularity of the media content item.
 15. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the probabilities of themedia content item being watched at each of the plurality of definedpresentation start times is further based on past viewing preferences ofthe user of the user device.
 16. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises determining agenre of the media content item, wherein the viewing preferences of theuser of the user device include times of day the user of the user devicehas previously viewed media content of the determined genre.
 17. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the mediacontent item is identified based on a current activity being performedon the user device.
 18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium ofclaim 13, wherein determining the time at which the user interface is tobe scheduled for presentation is based on the selected one of theplurality of defined presentation start times.